WHAT makes a great website? As two glowing patches prove, a pair of pretty models certainly draw the eye.

Futuristic research at Bournemouth University (BU) reveals that and more, and now Dorset businesses can use it too.

BU has created an ‘eye tracking consultancy’ – it uses cameras to scan where you look.

People rate websites, or other media like newspaper adverts, on how appealing they are.

The scanning data shows where you actually looked when making your decision.

From the 240 examples tested so far, the highest rated was a screen of the Miss Selfridges website and its two models.

This kind of equipment is already used by big companies but BU hopes to attract smaller firms and generate a profit.

Next Wednesday, around 45 firms from Dorset and the region are coming to the official launch.

And they will need more gripping websites than ever to reach 18-25 year olds.

Jacqui Taylor, the project leader, and a Poole resident, said: “It’s the whole thing about this generation having a lower attention span because of computer games and the internet.

“Research has shown this to be a fact – it’s actually confirmed.”

BU’s own experiments are also confirming research into the four key elements for an appealing website.

You need a big image, images of people, less than 140 words on the whole screen, and a search box.

The university already uses the equipment for academic research.

For example, Dr Benjamin Parris is investigating prosopagnosia, a condition where people cannot recognise faces.

But the consultancy is part of the university’s drive to link up its research with business and enterprise.

It was set up with a £28,000 grant from the Higher Education Innovation Fund.

Craig Girvan, the technical research assistant, said: “One of our unique selling points now is that we are academic based – we have a lot of experience on tackling scientific questions.”